The Year In Review
2008
Winners Circle Program Expands to Serve Military Members
Beginning in January, Winners Circle, in a collaborative effort with 5 therapeutic riding centers, began a new program for injured active duty military service members from the Naval Medical Center San Diego. The 8 students come on Wednesday afternoons to ride and have ground classes. The initial 12 week program was so successful for the riders that it has been continued indefinitely. The riders really enjoy getting out of the clinical environment and into the fresh air and farm setting. It is evident from the smiles and camaraderie between riders and volunteers that a good time is had by all. One volunteer commented that coming out on a Wednesday afternoon to help out was the least he could do for these young men and women who have given so much for their country. The program expansion has been made possible by funding from the Richlynd Fund.
Good Bye Good Friend
Winners Circle is sadly saying good-bye to a very good friend. Winners Circle Executive Director, Kathy Viken, is moving with her family to New Jersey this June.
Kathy started volunteering for the program in 2002. She became a NARHA certified instructor in 2004 and took over as the program’s executive director in 2005.
During her time here, Kathy has been the driving force behind many of the improvements at Winners Circle. She was the continuity for the biggest change when two therapeutic riding programs, Beth and AeRT, successfully merged to create Winners Circle. Her leadership was instrumental in the smooth transition.
Kathy was a keystone in improving the center facility. During her tenure she oversaw improvements in the horse corrals, the arena fencing and arena footing, and a beautification program sponsored by the local Rotary clubs. Then the entire layout of the facility was changed to improve the flow and enhance safety for our horses, students and instructors.
Kathy has also been active as a NARHA volunteer and served as Region 11 Southern CA State Chair from 2005 – 2007. She planned and organized two NARHA regional conferences and was on the host committee for NARHA’s national conference in 2007.
Kathy is leasing her horse, Fancy, to our program. Fancy has been working in the program with some of our riders for several months.
Kathy plans on continuing with therapeutic riding and has already been offered the volunteer coordinator position at a center in New Jersey. We will miss Kathy very much and wish her the best of everything in the future.
We’ve been adopted by a boy scout.
Sean Story volunteered to repaint our Center. Thanks to his hard work all our buildings are looking sharper. Everyone commented on his organization, dedication and professionalism. The paint job was well done, neat and clean from start to finish.
Herd around the barn
Ricky says “Wow – What great footing in the arena.” Thanks to Deanna Shipley, the Diane Cousino Memorial Fund and Polly Giacchina for funding the sand. Thanks to Dave Jackson for donating his equipment and labor (10 hours!!!!) to spread and even out the sand. The new footing will help our horses’ legs stay healthier longer.
Fancy is a little put-out now that there is competition for prettiest mare in the program. Welcome Copper and April, our two newest Equine employees in training. Copper and April are coming from Sweetwater Farms school program. Both are busy going through their training programs to qualify to ride our clients. Fancy, not bowing to the competition, was seen getting a new haircut and mane pull to spruce herself up.
2007
Winners Circle made renovations of the visiting area with the generosity of three Rotary Clubs. On April 28, 2007 the Bonita Sunrise Rotary Club, Chula Vista Rotary Club and National City Rotary Club had their annual work day at Winners Circle. They refurbished the bleachers and made a permanent cover over the bleachers. A fence was put in to divide the visiting area from the horses for safety. There were six trees donated and planted with mulch spread in the visiting area.
With the help of Sweetwater Farms and a devoted volunteer Rudy, the mounting block, ramp and tack room were moved into their new locations to make the mounting and tacking area more accessible for the riders.
Starbucks joined in the fun on April 28, 2007, they painted the inside of the office, making it an inviting place.
Following all the hard work on April 28th, the Rotary Clubs had a fun picnic at Winners Circle, everyone from Winners Circle, students, families, volunteers and staff were invited to join the rotary clubs. It was a great day with lots of hard work and fun!
Winners Circle now holds an annual horse show for its students each fall. Along with the horse show Winners Circle puts on a Family Fun Day fundraiser. This year Family Fun Day will be Saturday October 20, 2007.
Everyone enjoyed Family Fun Day 2007.
We were honored with a demonstration from the Chula Vista Volunteer Mounted Police. The riders and horses showed us how they can go thru balloons and walk over a tarp which is a part of their training for going out into crowds etc. Winners Circle appreciates their time and dedication.
Lindsey our Hero!
The Witch Creek Fire started on Sunday October 21st! The Harris Fire was already burning! Horses being evacuated needed a safe place to stay! Sweetwater Farms and Winners Circle took in 70 plus horses with Lindsey at the helm. Lindsey took control of checking in horses and owners, making sure everyone was well taken care of, safe and comfortable. We are very proud of Lindsey for her endless effort in the mist of the devastating fires and her compassion for all the animals and their owners. Thank you! Lindsey Terry is an instructor at Winners Circle.
Polly NARHA Region 11 Volunteer of the Year!!
I am proud to announce that Polly Giacchina received NARHA Volunteer of the Year for Region 11! I have always found Polly's volunteering, character, fundraising abilities and special projects exceptional! Polly volunteers every Thursday year round and if she is not available she finds someone to replace her. She is a volunteer that can be counted on consistently! After volunteering for awhile she began to see the needs of the ranch. She was able to raise $2,000.00 for renovations of the corals. She put one of her art weavings up for an opportunity drawing. She is always looking for ways to offer opportunities for people to give to our wonderful facility. She started the grocery store community giving program for the center, she organized the recycling program that benefits the center and is checking out other ways that give to the program. Polly raised $2250 for sand for the arena footing. Polly is an asset to the program from volunteering with the students to fundraising and special projects. CONGRATULATIONS POLLY!!
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